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Ask Nisha Jones Your Own Question

Nisha Jones,

Category: Criminal Law

Satisfied Customers: 3490

Experience: Managing Attorney at Nisha Jones Law, LLC

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I kiddingly slapped someone on the arm (Poker dealer at the

Customer Question

I kiddingly slapped someone on the arm (Poker dealer at the Indian Casino) and received a complaint for Physical Assault and disturbing the peace...JA: Because laws vary from place to place, can you tell me what state this is in?Customer: ArizonaJA: Have you talked to a lawyer yet?Customer: NOJA: Anything else you want the lawyer to know before I connect you?Customer: No

Good afternoon, I am a Criminal Defense attorney and former Prosecutor for the State Attorney's Office, and I'll be answering your questions today. Keep in mind this is for informational purposes only and we do not have an attorney-client relationship. Please allow me just a few minutes to review your question, thank you!

The assault and the disturbing the peace are both misdemeanor offenses under AZ state law.

A third degree assault charge (which is what this would be since there was no injury), is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine.

The disturbing the peace charge is punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

It's important that you retain a defense attorney to represent you in this matter if you haven't done so already.

If you can't afford one right now, a public defender will be appointed to you at your first court date.

The good news is that your attorneys should have a good chance at getting these charges dismissed.

The assault charge requires that you had the intent to harm the other person. Based on the information you shared, this was not the case.

The disturbing the peace charge requires that there was some sort of fight or altercation, and again, based on what you shared it appears this also was not the case.

Something else you should know is that since this is your first ever criminal offense, you are eligible for the deferrment program.

This means that you would plead guilty up front, participate in some rehabilitative classes, community service, and/or pay a fine ...then upon successful completion of the program, the charges against you will be dismissed.

The deferrment program is reserved for first time offenders only.

I hope that helps!

Please let me know if you have any other questions. Also, please take a moment to rate me using the stars at the top of the page, as it's the only way experts are compensated for our time on the site. I do not receive a salary here at JustAnswer, and am only compensated for my time after receiving a rating of 3 stars or more (5 stars are always appreciated). The question won't close after rating, so you can still ask follow-up questions after. Thanks, ***** ***** it!

You're welcome, no problem! If you have any more questions in the future and would like my help, please feel free to reach out to me here at JustAnswer by posting a new question, and adding "For Nisha" to the first part of your question. I'd be happy to help. Best of luck to you, take care!

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